Oxy versus Bowdoin?

[Anonymous]

Might be surprising that this is being considered, but we are having serious contention between the two. While Bowdoin's environs are beautiful and the college is wonderful in terms of rank and prestige, DS is beginning to really think about the ramifications of choosing to go to college in a small New England town. We just finished touring at Occidental, and he adored the students we met and the opportunities seem even more promising for his major (Urban & Environmental Policy), though I'm concerned LA is too big a distraction, and he'll end up abandoning us for the west coast at a hippy college. We don't want to deny him what he loves, but Bowdoin is a much better college with a name that Oxy just doesn't have. Anyone in a similar situation?

[Anonymous]

Strongly suggest looking closer into Bowdoin. This would be a harsh opportunity to miss. Oxy is a no-name college in a decaying city.

[Anonymous]

Fools go to La for college. It’s not a place for young people, and it’s extremely dirty and smoggy- at Indian city levels. So no on Oxy, unless you don’t care about crime and filth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Strongly suggest looking closer into Bowdoin. This would be a harsh opportunity to miss. Oxy is a no-name college in a decaying city.

Decaying city = city that produces 10x more economic output than whatever state the PP calls home.

[Anonymous]

Bowdoin over Oxy, 10/10x - but the LA derangement syndrome here is pretty breathtaking, too. Show us on the doll where California hurt you? Lol

[Anonymous]

Unless the kid really hated Bowdoin for some reason, it wouldn’t be a question. At that price point, parents can dictate to an extent.

[Anonymous]

maybe he can try and do summers in LA or an internship or something. also start at bowdoin and if he really hates it transfer to pomona or oxy.

[Anonymous]

If he really wants to study urban policy, Bowdoin seems like the wrong choice. It’s a great school but what attracted him to apply?

[Anonymous]

I grew up close to Oxy. At the time, it was a decent regional college although it has grown over the last few decades to greater prominence. It has some very unique programs like the Kahane United Nations program, the only college that offers a full time internship program at the United Nations headquarters in NYC. We know many students who are extremely happy at Oxy because of its spirited community and great Southern California weather. I am impressed by their new President and think he will be a visionary leader for Oxy. Two years ago, my DS sat through some classes when he was accepted and did not think the classes were academically challenging compared to his rigorous private HS classes. I would also do more research on their career services center and job placement. My sense is that job opportunities might be more confined to the west coast.

Bowdoin seems like an academic gem and a Willy wonky golden ticket win! I really don’t know much about the school except for its strong academic reputation and the dated Malcolm Gladwell article about its great dining halls.

My younger DS was also accepted to both Oxy and Bowdoin last week, so I welcome any additional insights on Bowdoin for a west coast kid who will not be playing a varsity sport. He’s worried about the long winter months and his ability to find employment on the west coast upon graduation as if seems many land jobs in the Northeast area. Also, he is planning to turn down Oxy but is considering Bowdoin.

[Anonymous]

Bowdoin is adorable in summer but I would hate the gray Maine dreariness, so I relate. The surrounding area is also fairly grim and Trumpy and not great for a kid of color. Have spent a lot of time there and the drawbacks are real.

[Anonymous]

Occidental!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he really wants to study urban policy, Bowdoin seems like the wrong choice. It’s a great school but what attracted him to apply?

+1 it seems like a college in the city would provide a lot better opportunities for studying urban policy

[Anonymous]

Oxy gives merit aid. What's the merit aid package? 20-25k or more merit, Oxy is fine over Bowdoin.

Where do you live? Maine is very, very isolated and the only real way to get there, driving-wise, is through Massachusetts.

Having said that, Bowdoin has the best location of the 3 Maine SLACs; it adjoins a nice enough downtown. Bates and, to a lesser extent, Colby, are in terrible places, though -- so that's not necessarily saying much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Might be surprising that this is being considered, but we are having serious contention between the two. While Bowdoin's environs are beautiful and the college is wonderful in terms of rank and prestige, DS is beginning to really think about the ramifications of choosing to go to college in a small New England town. We just finished touring at Occidental, and he adored the students we met and the opportunities seem even more promising for his major (Urban & Environmental Policy), though I'm concerned LA is too big a distraction, and he'll end up abandoning us for the west coast at a hippy college. We don't want to deny him what he loves, but Bowdoin is a much better college with a name that Oxy just doesn't have. Anyone in a similar situation?

this forum leans heavily east coast. Plus it's Bowdoin lovely college. Yes it's not in an urban area. two very different settings.

[Anonymous]

Bowdoin is a great school but rural Maine isn’t for everyone. Oxy does sound like a better fit.